World of Bugs at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum: live insects, fossils, and hands-on science for families

World of Bugs is an event and exhibit program at the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum that puts invertebrates — living insects and arachnids — side by side with fossils of prehistoric creatures that once lived in ancient New Jersey seas. The program aims to show how small animals have influenced ecosystems for hundreds of millions of years and what their past can teach us about biodiversity and environmental change.

The offering combines live-animal encounters with museum-style investigations. Core activities mentioned include live bug encounters and specimen investigations where visitors can examine insects and arachnids up close. Outdoor and participatory elements include roach races, guided bug walks on the grounds, and hands-on crafts designed for families and children.

A notable live demonstration features Zack Lemann, described as an entomologist and educator known for insect-based cooking demonstrations. His appearances include cooking demos and samples like Crispy Cajun Crickets, presented in the context of food security and sustainability. The program lists the dishes that will be made and served on the event website.

How it connects to other programs at Edelman

World of Bugs is presented alongside other site events that encourage outdoor engagement and science participation. BioBlitz invites citizen scientists to document species across the museum grounds, gardens, and nature trail, teaching participants how scientists observe and record biodiversity. South Jersey GreenFest brings together bugs, fossils, and sustainability messaging, and includes late-night activities such as moth and moonlight viewing with telescopes.

Location: Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, 66 Million Mosasaur Way, Mantua, NJ. The event listing indicates museum hours as 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ET for the featured day. Activity dates and times can change, and the event page advises checking the museum website for current details and for the menu of dishes at cooking demos.

The program links present-day invertebrates with fossil evidence to make local natural history tangible for families. It also weaves in applied themes: how insect diversity supports ecosystems, how past extinctions and climate shifts inform present conservation, and how insects may contribute to future sustainable food sources. The mix of live animals, fossils, demonstrations, and field activities provides multiple ways for visitors to learn and participate.

Events listed around the same time include a BioBlitz at the Fossil Park and a South Jersey GreenFest that highlights sustainability and outdoor activities. The museum also hosts events such as an Electric Vehicle Car Show focused on sustainability topics.

The event page on MommyPoppins links to the museum site for activity schedules, a list of dishes for cooking demos, and any updates to dates and times. For hands-on and outdoor components, check the museum calendar before you go.